Optimizing sorbitol double dehydration: A Box-Behnken design approach with commercial sulfonic acid resin.

In this study, double dehydration of sorbitol into isosorbide using commercial sulfonic acid resin as a catalyst was carried out under vacuum conditions generated by water ejection. To improve the efficiency and selectivity of the process, optimum reaction conditions prescribed by temperature, catalyst loading, and reaction time were investigated using the Box-Behnken design (BBD) together with Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The results showed that using the water ejection system could increase reaction activity. Statistically, all the reaction parameters were found to significantly affect the double dehydration reaction response, including sorbitol conversion, 1,4-sorbitant yield, and isosorbide yield. Furthermore, accurate predictive equations for all the reaction responses displayed R2 > 95 %, with no significant errors observed. The optimized conditions resulted in the complete conversion of sorbitol with 6.42 % 1,4-sorbitant yield and 67.55 % isosorbide yield. The equations yielded predicted values of the responses with minor variances being lower than 1 % when compared with the experimental values. However, the efficiency of the catalyst decreased steadily over recycling cycle due to reduced active sites and textural properties, likely caused by structural collapse and by-product accumulation. This work contributes to biomass valorization by optimizing the effective process for the production of isosorbide via commercial catalysts under vacuum conditions.

Effect of plasticizers on the rheological properties of xanthan gum - starch biodegradable films.

The effect of plasticizers, namely glycerol, sorbitol, and citric acid, on the structural and mechanical properties of biodegradable films obtained from xanthan gum (XG) and starch was studied. The plasticizing effect of glycerol, sorbitol, and citric acid on XG-starch films is justified by the destruction of intermolecular contacts between starch and XG macromolecules and the redistribution of hydrogen bonds in the system as a result of the hydrotropic action of plasticizer molecules. The use of glycerol proved to be the most effective for regulating the deformation of films, while the use of sorbitol to preserve strength. The dependence of the film roughness on the type and concentration of plasticizers was characterized. The smallest values of protrusions on the surface of XG-starch films were found in the presence of sorbitol. Considering the effect of the concentration of plasticizers on the stickiness of the surface of XG-starch films and their structural and mechanical properties, 1.5 % concentration of glycerol, sorbitol and citric acid was determined as optimal.

Aldose reductase inhibitory and antiglycation properties of phytoconstituents of Cichorium intybus: Potential therapeutic role in diabetic retinopathy.

Diabetic vascular complication including diabetic retinopathy is a major morbidity in Saudia Arabia. The polyol pathway aka aldose reductase (AR) pathway has gained significant association with diabetic retinopathy with regard to chronically enhanced glucose metabolism. Considerable research has been put forth to develop more effective therapeutic strategies to overcome the overwhelming challenges of vascular complications associated with diabetes. In this regard, constituents of Cichorium intybus can offer strong AR inhibitory potential because of their strong antidiabetic properties. Therefore, aim of this study was to investigate the AR inhibitory as well as antiglycation potential of C. intybus extract/compounds. The preliminary in vitro results showed that methanolic extract of C. intybus could significantly inhibit AR enzyme and advanced glycation end product formation. Eventually, based on previous studies and reviews, we selected one hundred fifteen C. intybus root constituents and screened them through Lipinski's rule of five and ADMET analysis. Later, after molecular docking analysis of eight compounds, five best were selected for molecular dynamics simulation to deduce their binding affinity with the AR enzyme. Finally, three out of five compounds were further tested in vitro for their AR inhibitory potential and antiglycation properties. Enzyme assay and kinetic studies showed that all the three tested compounds were having potent AR inhibitory properties, although to a lesser extent than ellagic acid and tolrestat. Similarly, kaempferol showed strong antiglycation property equivalent to ellagic acid, but greater than aminoguanidine. Intriguingly, significant reduction in sorbitol accumulation in RBCs by the tested compounds substantiated strong AR inhibition by these compounds. Moreover, decrease in sorbitol accumulation under high glucose environment also signifies the potential application of these compounds in diabetic retinopathy and other vascular complications. Thus, in sum, the in silico and in vitro studies combinedly showed that C. intybus root is a treasure for therapeutic compounds and can be explored further for drug development against diabetic retinopathy.

Bibliometric Analysis of Clinical Trials on the Effect of Sugar Alcohol Consumption on Oral Health: Trends, Insights, and Future Directions (1967-2024).

In recent years, the quest for healthier alternatives to sugar has led to the widespread use of sugar alcohol in various food and beverage products. Sugar alcohols, such as xylitol, sorbitol, and erythritol, are popular substitutes due to their sweet taste and lower calorie content than sucrose. Beyond their role in calorie reduction, sugar alcohols have garnered attention for their potential impact on oral health. The bibliometric analysis of clinical trials on sugar alcohol and oral health in PubMed reveals a dynamic and multifaceted research landscape shaped by various factors. Fluctuations in publication rates over time suggest influences such as shifts in research interests, technological advancements, regulatory changes, and evolving consumer behaviors. Key authors like Makinen KK, Makinen PL, and Soderling E emerge as prolific contributors with collaborative solid networks within the research community. The University of Turku in Finland has been identified as the highest contributing university, while Caries Research is the most contributing journal based on the number of clinical trials published. The country-wise analysis highlights Italy and the United States as substantial contributors, with diverse trajectories of research activity observed across nations. The subject-specific words with the highest cooccurrence are xylitol, dental caries, chewing gum, Streptococcus mutans, and saliva. Thematic analysis dives deep into how sugar alcohols relate to oral health, using different methods to study their effectiveness, safety, and how they affect the oral microbiome. The analysis of topic trends indicates ongoing exploration of sorbitol and xylitol, with an increasing emphasis on the potential advantages of xylitol. Additionally, there is notable attention on cariostatic agents, strategies for dental caries prevention, and the emergence of novel research domains like probiotics and erythritol, showcasing the dynamic evolution of oral health research focuses and developments. Overall, this analysis provides valuable insights into the distribution and trends of clinical trial publications, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the research landscape in sugar alcohol and oral health.

Optimization of dilution rate and mixed carbon feed for continuous production of recombinant plant sucrose:sucrose 1-fructosyltransferase in Komagataella phaffii.

The trisaccharide 1-kestose, a major constituent of commercial fructooligosaccharide (FOS) formulations, shows a superior prebiotic effect compared to higher-chain FOS. The plant sucrose:sucrose 1-fructosyltransferases (1-SST) are extensively used for selective synthesis of lower chain FOS. In this study, enhanced recombinant (r) 1-SST production was achieved in Komagataella phaffii (formerly Pichia pastoris) containing three copies of a codon-optimized Festuca arundinacea 1-SST gene. R1-SST production reached 47 U/mL at the shake-flask level after a 96-h methanol induction phase. A chemostat-based strain characterization methodology was adopted to assess the influence of specific growth rate (µ) on cell-specific r1-SST productivity (Qp) and cell-specific oxygen uptake rate (Qo) under two different feeding strategies across dilution rates from 0.02 to 0.05 h-1. The methanol-sorbitol co-feeding strategy significantly reduced Qo by 46 ± 2.4% compared to methanol-only feeding without compromising r1-SST productivity. Based on the data, a dilution rate of 0.025 h-1 was applied for continuous cultivation of recombinant cells to achieve a sustained r1-SST productivity of 5000 ± 64.4 U/L/h for 15 days.

Trace sorbitol-modified nano-silica: Towards nano-nucleation for poly(L-lactic acid).

Nucleating agents, especially those with small particle sizes, are preferred to boost the nucleation density and crystallinity of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) due to its weak crystallization capability. Organophilicly modified nanofillers hardly alter the nucleation and crystallinity of non-isothermally crystallized PLA. Herein, nano-silica adsorbed trace D-sorbitol (m-SiO2) as a heterogeneous nucleating agent was melt-mixed with poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), and the isothermal and non-isothermal crystallization behavior, as well as crystallization kinetics, were investigated. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that m-SiO2 was uniformly dispersed in the PLA matrix as 100-300 nm clusters. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized optical microscopy (POM) showed that the nucleation rate and density of the non-isothermally crystallized PLLA/m-SiO2 composites were significantly improved. Despite the fact that m-SiO2 does not raise the overall non-isothermal crystallization rate, the crystallization temperature and crystallinity of the PLLA/3%m-SiO2 composite increased from 97.2 °C and 6.8 % for neat PLLA to 108.2 °C and 48.6 % (10 °C/min cooling rate), respectively. The Avrami exponent n of isothermal crystallization remains unchanged, while the crystallization rate increases dramatically. Both isothermal and non-isothermal crystallization have increased activation energies. The heat deflection temperature increased from 59 °C of neat PLLA to 152 °C with a 50 % increase in impact strength.

Development and characterization of camel gelatin films: Influence of camel bone age and glycerol or sorbitol on film properties.

This study developed and evaluated camel bone gelatin films (CBGFs) with glycerol or sorbitol as plasticizers. Gelatin extracted from the bones of camels (Camelus dromedarius) at ages ranging from 2.5 to 7 years was used. A comprehensive analysis was conducted, evaluating a range of properties including thickness, moisture sorption capacity, water vapor permeability (WVP), infrared spectral characteristics, light absorption behavior, solubility, as well as mechanical and thermal attributes. This thorough examination allowed for a nuanced understanding of the diverse characteristics exhibited by the camel gelatin samples across different age groups. The results indicated that camel age, glycerol, and sorbitol had a significant impact on the properties of the film (P < 0.05). Tensile strength ranged from 0.32 MPa to 3.99 MPa, while the percentage of elongation at break varied from 89.42 % to 2.68 %. Film color (lightness, L) ranged from 21.39 to 41.33. Glycerol and sorbitol plasticized films were 100 % water soluble. Moisture sorption increased with temperature (25 °C, 35 °C, and 45 °C), with sorbitol films retaining less water. WVP was low in films from old camel bones and high in glycerol-plasticized CBGF-2.5Y and CBGF-4.5Y. Thermal analysis showed a melting temperature between 158.60 °C and 174.10 °C, depending on bone age and plasticizer. These films demonstrate promise for use in food packaging, coatings, and pharmaceutical applications.

Corncob-derived biodegradable packaging films: A sustainable solution for raspberry post-harvest preservation.

Plastic food packaging, with its harmful migration of microplastics and nanoplastics into food, presents significant ecological imbalance and human health risks. In this regard, using food and agricultural byproducts as packaging materials reduces environmental and economic concerns and supports their sustainable management. Herein, cellulosic residue from corncob was employed as a renewable source for developing biodegradable packaging films. It was solubilized in ZnCl2 solution, crosslinked with Ca2+ ions, and plasticized with sorbitol to form films and used to improve the shelf-life of raspberries. The optimized film possesses water vapor permeability, tensile strength, and elongation at break of 1.8(4) x10-10 g-1 s-1 Pa-1, 4.7(1) MPa, and 15.4(7)%, respectively. It displays UV-blocking and antioxidant properties and biodegrades within 29 days at 24% soil moisture. It preserves raspberries for 7 and 5 more days at room temperature and refrigeration conditions, respectively, compared to polystyrene film. Overall, more value addition could be envisioned from agricultural residues to minimize post-harvest losses and food waste through biodegradable packaging, which also aids in mitigating plastic perils.

Occurrence, molecular characterization, and antimicrobial susceptibility of sorbitol non-fermenting Escherichia coli in lake water, fish and humans in central Oromia, Ethiopia.

Contaminated lake water and fish can be sources of bacterial pathogens of public health concern, including pathogenic E. coli. Within Ethiopia, specifically, Central Oromia, raw fish consumption is a common practice. Although there are few reports on occurrence of E. coli O157 in fish destined for human consumption and children under five years, information on the transmission pathways of E. coli O157 and other sorbitol non-fermenting (SN-F) E. coli from water-to-fish-to-human, and their virulence factors and antimicrobial resistant determinants along the fish supply chain is lacking. The study aimed to investigate the occurrence, molecular characteristics, and antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli O157 and other SN-F E. coli strains in fish, lake water and humans in central Oromia, Ethiopia. A total of 750 samples (450 fish samples, 150 water samples, 150 human stool samples) were collected from five lakes and three health facilities. The samples were processed following the standard protocol recommended by European Food Safety Authority and Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method for detection of the bacteria, and antimicrobial susceptibility tests, respectively. Molecular characterization of presumptive isolates was performed using Whole-Genome Sequencing (WGS) for serotyping, determination of virulence factors, antimicrobial resistance traits, and genetic linkage of the isolates. Overall, 3.9% (29/750) of the samples had SN-F E. coli; of which 6.7% (n = 10), 1.8% (n = 8) and 7.3% (n = 11) were retrieved from water, fish, and diarrheic human patients, respectively. The WGS confirmed that all the isolates were SN-F non-O157: H7 E. coli strains. We reported two new E. coli strains with unknown O-antigen from fish and human samples. All the strains have multiple virulence factors and one or more genes encoding for them. Genetic relatedness was observed among strains from the same sources (water, fish, and humans). Most isolates were resistant to ampicillin (100%), tetracycline (100%), cefotaxime (100%), ceftazidime (100%), meropenem (100%), nalidixic acid (93.1%) and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (79.3%). Majority of the strains were resistant to chloramphenicol (58.6%) and ciprofloxacin (48.3%), while small fraction showed resistance to azithromycin (3.45%). Isolates had an overall MDR profile of 87.5%. Majority, (62.1%; n = 18) of the strains had acquired MDR traits. Genes encoding for mutational resistance and Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) were also detected. In conclusion, our study revealed the occurrence of virulent and MDR SN-F E. coli strains in water, fish, and humans. Although no genetic relatedness was observed among strains from various sources, the genomic clustering among strains from the same sources strongly suggests the potential risk of transmission along the supply chain at the human-fish-environment interface if strict hygienic fish production is not in place. Further robust genetic study of the new strains with unknown O-antigens, and the epidemiology of SN-F E. coli is required to elucidate the molecular profile and public health implications of the pathogens.

Potential of Plant-Based Extracts to Alleviate Sorbitol-Induced Osmotic Stress in Cabbage Seedlings.

In light of expected climate change, it is important to seek nature-based solutions that can contribute to the protection of our planet as well as to help overcome the emerging adverse changes. In an agricultural context, increasing plant resistance to abiotic stress seems to be crucial. Therefore, the scope of the presented research was focused on the application of botanical extracts that exerted positive effects on model plants growing under controlled laboratory conditions, as well as plants subjected to sorbitol-induced osmotic stress. Foliar spraying increased the length and fresh mass of the shoots (e.g., extracts from Taraxacum officinale, Trifolium pratense, and Pisum sativum) and the roots (e.g., Solidago gigantea, Hypericum perforatum, and Pisum sativum) of cabbage seedlings grown under stressful conditions, as well as their content of photosynthetic pigments (Pisum sativum, Lens culinaris, and Hypericum perforatum) along with total phenolic compounds (Hypericum perforatum, Taraxacum officinale, and Urtica dioica). The antioxidant activity of the shoots measured with the use of DDPH (Pisum sativum, Taraxacum officinale, Urtica dioica, and Hypericum perforatum), ABTS (Trifolium pratense, Symphytum officinale, Valeriana officinalis, Pisum sativum, and Lens culinaris), and FRAP (Symphytum officinale, Valeriana officinalis, Urtica dioica, Hypericum perforatum, and Taraxacum officinale) assays was also enhanced in plants exposed to osmotic stress. Based on these findings, the most promising formulation based on Symphytum officinale was selected and subjected to transcriptomic analysis. The modification of the expression of the following genes was noted: Bol029651 (glutathione S-transferase), Bol027348 (chlorophyll A-B binding protein), Bol015841 (S-adenosylmethionine-dependent methyltransferases), Bol009860 (chlorophyll A-B binding protein), Bol022819 (GDSL lipase/esterase), Bol036512 (heat shock protein 70 family), Bol005916 (DnaJ Chaperone), Bol028754 (pre-mRNA splicing Prp18-interacting factor), Bol009568 (heat shock protein Hsp90 family), Bol039362 (gibberellin regulated protein), Bol007693 (B-box-type zinc finger), Bol034610 (RmlC-like cupin domain superfamily), Bol019811 (myb_SHAQKYF: myb-like DNA-binding domain, SHAQKYF class), Bol028965 (DA1-like Protein). Gene Ontology functional analysis indicated that the application of the extract led to a decrease in the expression of many genes related to the response to stress and photosynthetic systems, which may confirm a reduction in the level of oxidative stress in plants treated with biostimulants. The conducted studies showed that the use of innovative plant-based products exerted positive effects on crops and can be used to supplement current cultivation practices.

Development of a Measurement System Using Infrared Spectroscopy-Attenuated Total Reflectance, Principal Component Analysis and Artificial Intelligence for the Safe Quantification of the Nucleating Agent Sorbitol in Food Packaging.

Sorbitol derivatives and other additives are commonly used in various products, such as packaging or food packaging, to improve their mechanical, physical, and optical properties. To accurately and precisely evaluate the efficacy of adding sorbitol-type nucleating agents to these articles, their quantitative determination is essential. This study systematically investigated the quantification of sorbitol-type nucleating agents in food packaging made from impact copolymers of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) using attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) together with analysis of principal components (PCA) and machine learning algorithms. The absorption spectra revealed characteristic bands corresponding to the C-O-C bond and hydroxyl groups attached to the cyclohexane ring of the molecular structure of sorbitol, providing crucial information for identifying and quantifying sorbitol derivatives. PCA analysis showed that with the selected FTIR spectrum range and only the first two components, 99.5% of the variance could be explained. The resulting score plot showed a clear pattern distinguishing different concentrations of the nucleating agent, affirming the predictability of concentrations based on an impact copolymer. The study then employed machine learning algorithms (NN, SVR) to establish prediction models, evaluating their quality using metrics such as RMSE, R2, and RMSECV. Hyperparameter optimization was performed, and SVR showed superior performance, achieving near-perfect predictions (R2 = 0.9999) with an RMSE of 0.100 for both calibration and prediction. The chosen SVR model features two hidden layers with 15 neurons each and uses the Adam algorithm, balanced precision, and computational efficiency. The innovative ATR-FTIR coupled SVR model presented a novel and rapid approach to accurately quantify sorbitol-type nucleating agents in polymer production processes for polymer research and in the analysis of nucleating agent derivatives. The analytical performance of this method surpassed traditional methods (PCR, NN).

Enhancing the flavour quality of Laiyang pear wine by screening sorbitol-utilizing yeasts and co-fermentation strategies.

This study took a novel approach to address the dual challenges of enhancing the ethanol content and aroma complexity in Laiyang pear wine. It focused on sorbitol as a pivotal element in the strategic selection of yeasts with specific sorbitol-utilization capabilities and their application in co-fermentation strategies. We selected two Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains (coded as Sc1, Sc2), two Metschnikowia pulcherrima (coded as Mp1, Mp2), and one Pichia terricola (coded as Tp) due to their efficacy as starter cultures. Notably, the Sc2 strain, alone or with Mp2, significantly increased the ethanol content (30% and 16%). Mixed Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia terricola fermentation improved the ester profiles and beta-damascenone levels (maximum of 150%), while Metschnikowia pulcherrima addition enriched the phenethyl alcohol content (maximum of 330%), diversifying the aroma. This study investigated the efficacy of strategic yeast selection based on sorbitol utilization and co-fermentation methods in enhancing Laiyang pear wine quality and aroma.

Sorbitol production from mixtures of molasses and sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate using the thermally adapted Zymomonas mobilis ZM AD41.

Byproducts from the sugarcane manufacturing process, specifically sugarcane molasses (SM) and sugarcane bagasse (SB), can be used as alternative raw materials for sorbitol production via the biological fermentation process. This study investigated the production of sorbitol from SM and sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate (SBH) using a thermally adapted Zymomonas mobilis ZM AD41. Various combinations of SM and SBH on sorbitol production using batch fermentation process were tested. The results revealed that SM alone (FM1) or a mixture of SM and SBH at a ratio of 3:1 (FM2) based on the sugar mass in the raw material proved to be the best condition for sorbitol production by ZM AD41 at 37 °C. Further optimization conditions for sorbitol production revealed that a sugar concentration of 200 g/L and a CaCl2 concentration of 5.0 g/L yielded the highest sorbitol content. The maximum sorbitol concentrations produced by ZM AD41 in the fermentation medium containing SM (FM1) or a mixture of SM and SBH (FM2) were 31.23 and 30.45 g/L, respectively, comparable to those reported in the literature using sucrose or a mixture of sucrose and maltose as feedstock. These results suggested that SBH could be used as an alternative feedstock to supplement or blend with SM for sustainable sorbitol production. In addition, the fermentation conditions established in this study could also be applied to large-scale sorbitol production. Moreover, the thermally adapted Z. mobilis ZM AD41 is also a promising sorbitol-producing bacterium for large-scale production at a relatively high fermentation temperature using agricultural byproducts, specifically SM and SB, as feedstock, which could reduce the operating cost due to minimizing the energy required for the cooling system.

Bio-based poly(lactic acid) foams with enhanced mechanical and heat-resistant properties obtained by facilitating stereocomplex crystallization with addition of D-sorbitol.

The preparation of bio-based poly(lactic acid) (PLA) foams with high mechanical properties and heat resistance is of great significance for environmental protection and green sustainable development. In this paper, D-sorbitol (DS) containing six hydroxyl groups was introduced into poly(l-lactide) (PLLA)/poly(d-lactide) (PDLA) blends for first time to promote the formation of stereocomplex (SC) crystals, which could improve the foaming behavior and enhance mechanical properties and heat resistance of PLA foams. The results showed that DS could improve the formation efficiency and crystallinity of SC crystals by enhancing the hydrogen bonding between the enantiomeric molecular chains. Furthermore, the compression modulus and interactions Vicat softening temperature of the PLLA/PDLA/DS blend foam increased about 854% and 16% compared to the pure PLLA foam, respectively. Besides, when the annealing process was introduced, the compression and heat resistance of the PLA foams increased further. This study provided a feasible strategy for the preparation of bio-based and biodegradable PLA foams with outstanding compressive and heat resistance properties.

SORD-deficient rats develop a motor-predominant peripheral neuropathy unveiling novel pathophysiological insights.

Biallelic SORD mutations cause one of the most frequent forms of recessive hereditary neuropathy, estimated to affect approximately 10,000 patients in North America and Europe alone. Pathogenic SORD loss-of-function changes in the encoded enzyme sorbitol dehydrogenase result in abnormally high sorbitol levels in cells and serum. How sorbitol accumulation leads to peripheral neuropathy remains to be elucidated. A reproducible animal model for SORD neuropathy is essential to illuminate the pathogenesis of SORD deficiency and for preclinical studies of potential therapies. Therefore, we have generated a Sord knockout (KO), Sord-/-, Sprague Dawley rat, to model the human disease and to investigate the pathophysiology underlying SORD deficiency. We have characterized the phenotype in these rats with a battery of behavioral tests as well as biochemical, physiological, and comprehensive histological examinations. Sord-/- rats had remarkably increased levels of sorbitol in serum, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and peripheral nerve. Moreover, serum from Sord-/- rats contained significantly increased levels of neurofilament light chain, NfL, an established biomarker for axonal degeneration. Motor performance significantly declined in Sord-/- animals starting at ∼7 months of age. Gait analysis evaluated with video motion tracking confirmed abnormal gait patterns in the hindlimbs. Motor nerve conduction velocities of the tibial nerves were slowed. Light and electron microscopy of the peripheral nervous system revealed degenerating myelinated axons, de- and remyelinated axons, and a likely pathognomonic finding - enlarged "ballooned" myelin sheaths. These findings mainly affected myelinated motor axons; myelinated sensory axons were largely spared. In summary, Sord-/- rats develop a motor-predominant neuropathy that closely resembles the human phenotype. Our studies revealed novel significant aspects of SORD deficiency, and this model will lead to an improved understanding of the pathophysiology and the therapeutic options for SORD neuropathy.

A Novel Sorbitol-Based Flow Cytometry Buffer Is Effective for Genome Size Estimation across a Cypriot Grapevine Collection.

Flow cytometry (FCM) is a widely used technique to study genome size (C-value), but recalcitrant metabolites in grapevines often hinder its efficiency in grapevine research. The aim of the present study was (i) to develop a novel buffer tailormade for the nuclei isolation of grapevines and (ii) to characterize a Cypriot germplasm collection based on C-values. A local cultivar "Xinisteri" was used as a pilot test to evaluate a Sorbitol-based buffer, while sprouting, young, and fully matured leaves were examined to evaluate the developmental parameter. The novel Sorbitol buffer was shown to have a coefficient of variation (CV) of 4.06%, indicating improved properties compared to other commonly used FCM buffers [WPB (7.69%), LB01 (6.69%), and LB (7.13%), respectively]. In addition, a significant variation in genome size between genotypes was found in a comprehensive application with 24 grape varieties. Nucleic content (2C) ranged from 0.577/1C pg for the "Assyrtiko" cultivar up to 0.597/1C pg for the "Spourtiko" cultivar, revealing a 17.6/1C Mbp difference. The lowest coefficient of variation (CV) across all entries was found in the variety "Ofthalmo" (2.29%), while the highest was observed in "Pinot Noir" (3.44%). Anova analysis revealed several distinct clusters, showing that in several cases, C-values can be used as a simple method to distinguish grapevine cultivars.

Development of a thin layer chromatography-based method to detect sorbitol presence in milk and its applicability in formalin preserved milk samples.

Sorbitol has been the new and emerging adulterant in dairy industry. The main aim of the study was to develop a method to detect sorbitol in milk, which is not affected by other sugars, polyols and formalin. Hence, a thin layer chromatographic (TLC) method was standardized to detect the sorbitol in milk. In the study 90 s duration for the impregnation of Silica gel 60F TLC plates with Cu- ions was found suitable to resolve sorbitol as a distinct spot. The standardized conditions were (1) developing solvent system consisting of n-propanol: ethyl acetate: water (7:1:2), (2) 0.5% of potassium permanganate in 0.1 M NaOH as color developing reagent. (3) Drying temperature (65°C/ 10 min.) after spraying the color developing reagent. The limit of detection was 0.2% of added sorbitol in milk. The standardized method could also detect the sorbitol in the presence of sucrose, glucose and polyols like mannitol and maltitol. In both cow and buffalo milk samples the standardized methodology performed well in detection of sorbitol. The method also performed well in sorbitol spiked formalin preserved milk samples. This method can be an alternative to the other methods involving costly equipment in detecting adulteration of milk with sorbitol.

Long-term sorbitol consumption affects the hippocampus and alters cognitive function in aged mice.

The systemic effects of the artificial sweetener sorbitol on older adult individuals have not been elucidated. We assessed the effects of sorbitol consumption on cognitive and gingival health in a mouse model. Aged mice were fed 5% sorbitol for 3 months before their behavior was assessed, and brain and gingival tissues were collected. Long-term sorbitol consumption inhibited gingival tissue aging in aged mice. However, it caused cognitive decline and decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus. Sorbitol consumption did not affect homeostatic function; however, it may exert effects within the brain, particularly in the hippocampus.

Uncovering the role of sorbitol in Renilla luciferase kinetics: Insights from spectroscopic and molecular dynamics studies.

Renilla luciferase catalyzes the oxidation of coelenterazine to coelenteramide, resulting in the emission of a photon of light. This study investigated the impact of sorbitol on the structural and kinetic properties of Renilla luciferase using circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy, and molecular dynamics simulations. Our investigation, carried out using circular dichroism and fluorescence analyses, as well as a thermal stability assay, has revealed that sorbitol induces conformational changes in the enzyme but does not improve its thermal stability. Moreover, through kinetic studies, it has been demonstrated that at a concentration of 0.4 M, sorbitol enhances the catalytic efficiency of Renilla luciferase. However, at higher concentrations, sorbitol results in a decrease in catalytic efficiency. Additionally, molecular dynamics simulations have shown that sorbitol increases the presence of hydrophobic pockets on the enzyme's surface. These simulations have also provided evidence that at a concentration of 0.4 M, sorbitol facilitates substrate access to the active site of the enzyme. Nevertheless, at higher concentrations, sorbitol obstructs substrate trafficking, most likely due to its impact on the gateway to the active site. This study may provide insights into the kinetic changes observed in enzymes with buried active sites, such as those with α/ß hydrolase fold.

Effects of polyol and surfactant plasticisers on lyophilised rice starch wafers for buccal drug delivery.

Rice starch is a promising biopolymer for buccal formulations but typical oven drying may promote starch retrogradation that affects mechanical properties. Hence, lyophilisation was proposed here to improve starch product's stability. This study aims to investigate the effects of plasticisers (sorbitol and Tween® 80, T80) on the characteristics and drug release profiles of lyophilised rice starch wafers incorporated with propranolol hydrochloride. The wafers were prepared by lyophilising starch mixture (5%w/v) with plasticiser (0.2 and 0.3 g/g) and drug (10, 20, 30%w/w). Control wafers exhibited loose layers with rough wrinkled surface. Sorbitol resulted in a dense structure with higher puncture strength (PS) but lower water absorption capacity (WAC) while T80 loosened the flakes that reduced PS and increased WAC. Drug inclusion decreased PS and increased WAC of unplasticised wafers. T80-plasticised wafers with drug had a lower PS and higher WAC than sorbitol-plasticised wafers. Particularly, T80-plasticised wafers achieved outstandingly high PS and the lowest WAC at 30%w/w drug. Drug dissolution of wafers relied mainly on the drug crystallinity and WAC at 10 and 30%w/w drug. Plasticisers reduced and increased drug dissolution at 10 and 20%w/w drug, respectively. This study highlights the potential of lyophilisation in preparing rice starch wafers for buccal delivery.